Kissing is a pastime that never gets old. You may have your lip-locking skills down pat, but you might want to try new things. Read on for 20 techniques to pep up your love life...

Kissing techniques vary – some are good, some bad and some just plain ugly.

Kissing is important because “it’s a romantic signal from one partner to another,” says Michael Christian, author of The Art of Kissing (St. Martin’s Griffin). He also cites Freud, saying that kissing fulfills the human need for oral contact and stimulation.

Here are 20 kissing techniques to surprise and satisfy you and your partner.

1. The across-the-room kiss Share a moment with your significant other in a crowd by sending an across-the-room kiss: Pucker your lips and make a kissing gesture at him.

Use this kiss as a quick “I love you” or sign of encouragement.

2. The aggressive kiss If your significant other leans in for a quick smooch, but you’re in the mood for something more, surprise him by turning his peck into a long, deep, sensual kiss.

Just don’t linger too long in this area; a little ear action can go a long way!

8. The Eskimo kiss
Like the butterfly kiss, this is a light-hearted “kiss” that children, friends or significant others can enjoy.

This kissing technique substitutes noses for lips.

Bring your faces close and gently rub your noses together.

“Anyone who thinks this kiss is just for kids is missing out on a great, great experience,” Christian says. It’s not just a rubbing of noses, he says. Smell and presses into the cheek are involved.

This kiss is sure to brighten anyone’s day.

9. The European kiss
In Europe, it’s common for people to say hello or goodbye with a kiss on one or both cheeks.

This trend is catching on in social settings in the United States, as well.

With the European kiss, your lips barely touch the person’s skin or kiss the air right next to the person’s cheek.

It’s more of a formality than a real kiss.

10. The exploratory kiss
When you enter into a new relationship, chances are you’ll be kissing plenty.
During this stage, you and your partner are explorers – discovering each others’ techniques, finding out what you each like and dislike. Now is the time to experiment.

11. The French kiss
Perhaps the most famous of all kisses (and the one most often poorly executed), the French kiss is all about the tongue action.
What’s the secret to a good French kiss? “Be responsive to your partner’s motions. Don’t force your motions or tongue on your partner,” Christian says. Take your cue from him and “respond gently or aggressively as you see fit.”

Breathe through your nose, and feel free to take breaks.

12. The friendly kiss
For some people, kissing a friend on the lips or cheek is a natural way to show affection.
Just keep it short and sweet, and always close-mouthed.

You don’t want to send mixed signals.

13. The gallant kiss
Traditionally, a man kisses a woman’s hand to show respect and admiration for a lady.

14. The icy kiss
Play with kissing your partner by putting a piece of ice in your mouth, kissing him, and passing the ice to him with your tongue.

Or try the same thing with a powerful breath mint.

This cold variation of the French kiss can really heat up your night.

15. The motherly kiss
The motherly kiss involves kissing a person’s forehead to show friendship, affection or comfort.

16. The obligatory kiss
Picture this: You’re in the middle of a crowded party and who do you see coming your way?

The guy who left you 20 voicemails after one chemistry-less date.

He says hello and leans in, lips puckered.

Rather than running away screaming, help him save face by offering him yours.

Turn your face to the side and let him kiss your cheek.

If his lips begin to wander, turn your head again and offer the other cheek as well.
Then smile politely, say something nice, and walk away.

Remember, you are never required to kiss someone on the lips.

By allowing a quick peck on the cheek, you keep the mood friendly while sending a clear signal that you’re not interested.

17. The sensual kiss
The neck is full of delicate nerve endings, and kisses on the neck are sure to send a tingling sensation through your partner’s body.

Gently suck or nibble on one area, or cover the entire neck with kisses.

Have him do the same to you. Neck kisses are a woman’s favorite, Christian notes.

18. The thank-you kiss
To show appreciation or affection, offer someone a friendly kiss on the cheek.

This type of kiss is also commonly used at the end of a first date.

It’s a nice form of body contact, but it’s also noncommittal.

19. The therapeutic kiss
The next time your significant other has a headache or is stressed out, try this kissing technique.

Put your lips on the bridge of his nose and slowly deliver a series of soft kisses.
The gentle pressure of the kisses and delicate warmth of your breath will ease his tension and relax him in no time.

20. The upside-down kiss
Switch things up by having your partner lie with his head on your lap. Then lean in and kiss him with your top lip on his bottom lip and vice-versa.

Explore the unique sensations of kissing upside-down.

You’ll discover that 180 degrees makes quite a difference!

These 20 kissing techniques, or any of your own, can add spontaneity to your relationships.

Just remember: Relax, regardless if it’s your first kiss or your 500th.

Enjoy the moment.

And don’t forget to breathe.

Are You a Good Kisser?
Smooching, snogging, lip locking – whatever language of love you prefer, there are universal moves that make for a memorable kiss. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they kiss – so what are your lips saying about you? Find out what kind of kisser you are with this quiz.